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Let's Get Physical, Physical

An article I read this week (“Why I Stopped Reading Fashion Blogs”, here) got me thinking hard about the content of my blog. The article sparked a discussion in the comments about all the blogger challenges and weekly groups one can participate in, and how original content is often sacrificed for their sake. As someone who does participate in many of these challenges (I’ve done the 30 for 30, Bloggers do it Better, and Fashion and Beauty Friend Friday) it made me take a step back and think about what this meant for my blog.

Here’s what I’ve decided: I’m going to continue to participate in challenges that genuinely interest me. Nine times out of ten, I have fun doing them and they make me a better blogger. However, I will not join something just to join it; I will only participate if it’s something I (and also my readers) will be interested in. In addition, I will continue to make an effort to make my non-participatory posts original and well thought out. Will I have days that I have little more than pictures? Yes, I'm human. But this blog, and the people who read it, are important to me, and it’s worth my time and effort to be genuine.

Although it’s something I don’t talk much about, I am interested in staying in shape. Therefore, I’m going to join Katy’s Friend Friday group today, whose questions are fitness-related.

1. Do you keep some kind of fitness routine? Why? Yes, I started going to Jazzercise classes last summer because of a Groupon. I’ve been going regularly since; I try to go three days a week but that doesn’t always happen. This has been the first workout routine I’ve stuck with and I’ve enjoyed. I love the way I feel after I finish a class, and I feel “off” when I miss too many classes.

2. Has working out, maybe training for a marathon or something of that nature, helped with your own perception of body image? Yes, knowing that I’m doing something to make my body healthier gives me a more positive body image. While the changes may not be noticeable to others, I feel good when I see my muscle tone improving or my strength increasing.

3. When you are hitting the gym or just going out for a long walk what do you wear? Is it about functionality or fashion? I’m pretty sure that the people in my Jazzercise classes would be shocked and appalled that I have a fashion blog! My workout “uniform” consists of black workout pants or capris, and a tank top or t-shirt. I don’t particularly enjoy buying workout clothes, so when I have money to spend it usually goes to “regular” clothes. But I have seen a lot of cute workout gear lately, so maybe I’ll work on that!

4. Do you feel there is a cultural perception of what you ‘should’ be doing for your own physical fitness? Personally, I do not know of a cultural standard for what I should be doing. However, within my group of friends, I have always felt like a bit of an outsider in this area. Most of my friends participate in sports, and an athlete I am not. At times, however, I wished I could be more athletically inclined so I could be on teams with my friends. Since I’ve started blogging and doing Jazzercise, I no longer feel this way. Frankly, I don’t have time to blog, Jazzercise, AND play sports! (Oh, and have a full-time job, cook dinner several nights a week, be a wife and dog-mom too.)

5.Dream big… what would be your ultimate fitness goal. My goal is that in a few years, I will still be going to Jazzercise classes three times a week, every week. I’m not sure that’s dreaming big, but that’s as big as it gets for me and working out!

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I’m an ice cream-obsessed working mom living in the suburbs of Kansas City (go Royals!). I created Shea Lennon as a fashion and lifestyle resource for busy, stylish women on a budget. I share articles that showcase affordable, attainable style, recipes, and other lifestyle ideas to help you live a more creative life.